Cengiz: Raring to go after international break

"Whenever people go off on international duty they come back with loads of motivation, and that’s the case for me too now," the Giallorossi man told Sky Sport Italia. "I played two games and felt really happy and at ease, but now I’m fully focused on Roma."

Roma take on Chievo Verona at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday – and the Turk could play a big role in the game.

"We want to beat Chievo and then focus on Real," he said. "We want to come through this period and start putting some wins together."

It was in Verona last season that your fortunes changed at Roma…

"When I came back in January I was a different person. I always had the feeling that once I got the first goal, everything else would follow naturally, and that’s how it turned out. It was the start of a great time for me and the team."

That goal seemed to help the team turn its season around. Can you do something similar now?

"I hope so. I hope to get a goal, continue doing what I’m doing and perform even better than I did last season."

What’s the best goal you’ve scored for Roma?

"The goal against Shakhtar was the most important. The Verona goal was a big one too, but I still think the one in the Champions League Round of 16 was the most significant."

Do you think Real will have more respect for Roma as a result of your win over Barcelona last season?

"They should do. We got a result that nobody was expecting after the first leg. I think that every team in Europe – not just Real – should have more respect for Roma now."

Speaking of Wednesday’s clash at the Bernabeu, who is quicker out of you and Gareth Bale?

"Bale, I think."

You’ve been recognised as the best Turkish player playing abroad. How pleased are you to have been honoured in that way?

"I’m one of five main Turkish players playing abroad. I’m happy because it was always one of my objectives. My story in Europe continues and I think I can get better and better."